Cairns real estate: Demand for rural lifestyle properties is sizzling

Demand for rural retreats is heating up – and here are some hidden gems available on the market right now. CHECK OUT WHAT’S FOR SALE

A Covid-induced exodus from cities and suburbia to the country means rural lifestyle properties are being snapped up soon after hitting the market – and a bush bargain hideaway is hard to find.

The new wave of people working from home, a desire to escape lockdowns, mandates and restrictions and the pandemic prompting people to examine their values have all contributed to the bush migration.

Elders Real Estate Malanda agent Shellie Nightingale said a desire to reconnect with nature was one factor driving demand.

“People are definitely getting back to nature, but there’s not many properties, not too many people are wanting to let them go, and there’s such high demand,” Ms Nightingale said.

“I have a couple from NSW looking for acreage to build their own home – everybody likes a place to chill and relax and get back to nature.

“But everyone is buying for different reasons – interest rates are low, money is earning nothing in the bank and a lot of people are pulling cash out of term deposits and super and shares and going into real estate,” she said.

426 Biggs Rd, Bartle Frere

In a lush pocket surrounded by Wooroonooran National Park, 75km south of Cairns at Bartle Frere lies this four bedroom home on 38.27ha.

RE/MAX agent Udo Jattke said the property’s most outstanding feature was a creek adjacent to the house.

“The owner has been there 20 years and she says it is like having a swimming pool you never have to look after,” Mr Jattke said.

“There’s not a lot of properties anymore so close to creeks and rivers, it is built right up to it.

“It’s at the end of the road, it is quiet and peaceful but still close to Babinda and Cairns and there’s a lovely school 10 minutes up the road,” he said.

He said a wide range of potential buyers had shown interest.

There are great views of the creek from almost every room in the house and natural light flooding through floor to ceiling windows.

The house has four large bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living, and a funky outdoor shower and bath.

It has a huge potter’s studio or workshop, two sheds and a big gazebo.

The property has seven buildings including the garage.

There’s a small wooden platform over a private lake.

It is set for auction on February 22.

513 Wild River Rd, Millstream

DREAM about living on a cattle station but don’t have a Gina Rinehart budget for a vast pastoral holding?

This 142.5ha piece of wilderness ideal for horses, goats or a few head of cattle, could fit the bill perfectly.

It’s on the Wild River, 126km from Cairns, 11km from Ravenshoe and just 24km to Innot Hot Springs.

513 Wild River Rd, Millstream is on the market for $599,000. Picture: supplied.

Bounded by cattle stations and The Bluff State Forest, the main house block – which has a ramshackle shed home – has river views.

The shed has a kitchen, bathroom bedroom and living and dining area and there’s a donga with four bedrooms with river views, four ensuites and airconditioning throughout.

None of the buildings have council approval – but an astute buyer could knock the whole lot down and build afresh.

The main block is fully fenced, has a small dam and fruit trees such as bananas, lemons and tamarind, while the second larger block is partly fenced.

Plenty of space for horses, goats or a few cattle.

The property is for sale on a walk-in, walk-out basis with seven water tanks, a backhoe, solar, a generator, ute and buggy.

Agent Zoe Wicks of @Realty said there had been a lot of interest in the property.

“What’s good about it that it is right on the river, you can be self-sustainable, there’s lots of water, you can be off-grid which a lot of people want, and you can convert the shed to whatever you want, or build a house,” she said.

It is priced at $599,000.

498 Lake Barrine Rd, Malanda

498 Lake Barrine Rd, Malanda has a shed big enough for four to six vehicles Picture: supplied.

Rural living not far from Malanda is on offer at this 1ha property with a solid three bedroom home.

Agent Kaydee Chatfield of First National Atherton said it was an ideal flat block.

“It is between Malanda and Yungaburra, a wetter area good for growing, with good soil – it is good value for money for that land,” she said.

498 Lake Barrine Rd, Malanda is ripe for growing crops or creating a vast garden. Picture: supplied.

She said the clay brick family home had a country feel, with a fireplace and front veranda running the length of the home.

Trees surround the boundary, leaving a new owner with plenty of options to utilise cleared land.

298 Mullins Rd, Millaa Millaa

Interest in this charming property on 8.51ha with a romantic two bedroom cottage and a studio with an ensuite and kitchenette has been strong.

Suzanne Reymolds of Malanda Real Estate said it was beautifully positioned on the Beatrice River.

Called Riversong Retreat, it has operated as a yoga retreat, bed and breakfast and Airbnb.

“It is at the point where the north and south arms of the Beatrice River meet and it is absolutely stunning,” Ms Reynolds said.

Riversong Retreat, on 8.51ha at Millaa Millaa, has a two bedroom home as well as a cottage and studio. Picture: supplied.

“It is a short walk to the water and the wildlife and birdlife is beautiful – it’s a property with an income as an Airbnb it gets great reviews.”

There’s a large greenhouse and chicken coop, elevated garden beds and stonework throughout the garden.

The main house has two bedrooms.

“Places like this are hard to find,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Not only is it a well-established and well-run business, it is one-of-a-kind in the way it is presented.”

Millaa Millaa – Malanda Rd, Jaggan

Those seeking to immerse themselves in tranquil wildnerness would find this 21.8ha property fits the bill as less than a third of the beautiful land is cleared.

The remainder is a rainforest wildlife habit known as Pellings Scrub Refuge, Elders Real Estate Malanda agent Shellie Nightingale explained.

“It is home to an abundance of wildlife including platypus, tree kangaroos, pademelon and an array of bird species.” Ms Nightingale said.

“Due to the elevation of the block you have a great view of surrounding rural properties – there’s no other property on the market quite like it.

This 21.8ha property at Jaggan, near Malanda, has untouched rainforest and a creek. Picture: supplied.

“It is a few degrees cooler, in this hot weather, when you walk in. We saw a tree kangaroo recently and in the bottom part of the creek there is always platypus.

”It is a lovely little sanctuary.”

It has a fully insulated 20m x 9m Colorbond shed with high clearance roller doors and a 5kw solar system.

The shed has a kitchen, gas shower, toilet, vanity and a mezzanine floor with a bedroom and a storage room.

Two rainwater tanks carry 58,000 litres, there’s a spring fed creek and a variety of fruit trees.

Originally published as Cairns real estate: Demand for rural lifestyle properties is sizzling